Transfiguration Women’s Club
The Transfiguration Women’s Club was initiated in the 1970s as part of a reorganization of the existing club then named the “Altar Guild.” The first president of the Women’s Club was Helen Birrittella.
The purpose of the Transfiguration Women’s Club is to purchase altar vestments and linens used at mass by Priests and Eucharistic Ministers. Members of the club also clean and care for the altar, as well as wash and iron linens that are used on a weekly basis during the liturgy. The Transfiguration Women’s Club is also responsible for decorating the altar on special events such as Christmas and Easter, as well as financially supporting the needs for the altar.
The Transfiguration Women’s Club regularly raises funding through card parties, penny socials, art sales and many other events. While these funds are used primarily to support the financial needs of the altar, the remaining funds are dedicated to deserving students, who are awarded scholarships or other similar benefits.
In the past, the Transfiguration Women’s Club would frequently visit the Sisters of Mercy at their infirmary located in Dobbs Ferry. The purpose of the visits was to entertain the Sisters on special occasions such as St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and other holidays. Some Club members would even meet weekly with the Sisters to join them in knitting and crocheting sessions that provided some outside socialization for the infirm Sisters.
Sister Eulalia Villarino introduced the International Mass on World Mission Sunday. This Mass was followed by a large international luncheon, in which all participants were encouraged to prepare a typical dish of their country of origin to share with other guests.
The Transfiguration Women’s Club holds an annual Communion Breakfast, which is a social function for members of the club. Frequently, organizers of the breakfast will have a speaker sharing a topic of current interest. The Communion breakfast is also the venue for the presentation of the annual scholarship, which is awarded to a participating Club member’s child, who is enrolled at Transfiguration School.
During the Christmas season, the Transfiguration Women’s Club organizes a holiday dinner for the members. Also, the Club was instrumental in purchasing the lovely
Creche which is regularly displayed during the Christmas season, and which graces the Church property.
The Transfiguration Women’s Club has a substantial membership many of whom are Eucharistic Ministers, CCD Teachers or are actively involved in other Church Ministries.
The Transfiguration Women’s Club warmly welcomes ladies of the Church to join in this vibrant sharing of faith.